AN anti-burglary campaign has been launched by council officials and police in Hartlepool.

They are targeting garden shed owners to encourage them to adopt basic security measures and reduce break-ins.

To help get the message across a shed featuring some of the latest security adaptations is on show at Hartlepool Borough Council's Stranton Nursery, in Tanfield Road.

PC Colin Hopkins, Hartlepool Police crime prevention officer, said: "Shed break-ins tend to go up at this time of year and we want to offer people some basic advice on how to avoid becoming a victim.

"Equipment worth hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds is often stored in sheds protected by what is, at best, only very flimsy security.

"What we are trying to say is that by taking a few simple precautions you could avoid a lot of heartache and inconvenience.

"This latest initiative complements our Plants Against Crime initiative which promotes the planting of thorny shrubs as a way of making your garden more secure."

PC Hopkins, who has teamed up with specialist security products firm FSB Supplies, said a heavy duty padlock should be used to lock a shed wherever possible.

He also urged owners to consider buying a security bar that fastens on to the shed door and makes it less vulnerable to break-in.

Owners should also consider installing steel cages inside their sheds for tools.

The nursery is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 12pm on Fridays, and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.